Design New Goals

It is difficult to turn on the TV or pick up a newspaper or magazine without hearing about self-improvement. It seems to be such an important part of achieving a successful life, but too often a part that is left to chance. Most people don't take the time to think about what is really important to them and then actually plan how to be successful. A well-worn adage is "If it is to be, it is up to me. Only I control my destiny!" This belief reminds us that we are the most important part of achieving our dreams. This becomes a key point in planning our goals as we must ask ourselves "what can I do to achieve my dreams?" How do you develop goals for yourself?

There are a number of self-improvement writers on the market, and you can find a 
vast selection of books at any local bookstore or library. However, the following is
 a list of suggestions for getting 
started when setting your goals that come from a variety of different resources:



#1.  Make a list of what is important to you  
                                                                       
 Look at your values. Do you want to achieve something that will allow you more 
time with your family?  Is it important to you that you pursue advancement to increase
 your income?  Do you need to reflect upon what would make your life's path more
 meaningful?



#2.  Visualize Your Success!

Imagine that you have accomplished your goal, and ask yourself, "What would that
 look like?" When you can picture it, start acting as if it has already happened. 
 You begin behaving as a successful person.



#3.  Write Down Your Goals       

What steps are needed to achieve your goals?  When writing, use words that 
convey action such as "calling the university to get a class schedule" or "going to
 the gym 3 times per week."  Leave them in full view, so that you can see them
 every day.  You don't have to have a full, 
detailed explanation laying on your bathroom counter, but perhaps you could post 
the bullet points,  so that you can be reminded of your goals!



#4.  Make Your Goals Positive

State "I will start an exercise program" instead of  "I'm going to quit being so fat."



#5.  Stay in the Present      

Try to write your goals as if you are working on them now, not five years from now. 
 Long range goals are very important, but in order to change your life now, you
 need short range, immediate goals to work on.



#6.    Make the goals something you have control over.

  In other words, don't make your goals about others and their feelings, 
behaviors, etc. because you can't control how others respond.



#7.  Make the Goals Measurable and Realistic                 


Clearly state what you want the end result to be.  Be realistic.   Don't set yourself
 up for failure by setting your goals so high that they cannot be reached.  
This will only lead to disappointment.



#8.  Get Support

Tell those who will be supportive about your goals.  We can all use a little
 friendly support when beginning a new endeavor.




The energy of motivation that develops when working toward 
achieving goals has helped many people transform their lives.  It is helpful 
in making difficult decisions because you know where you want to end up. 
 It can build your self confidence and your sense of self-respect because 
you start to see yourself as a valuable person.  
Discovering that you can achieve anything can be extremely rewarding, 
liberating,  and very empowering.

Information provided by Summit Medical Center Psychiatric Program

        Hermitage, TN

        January, 2001



Reading Suggestions

What Color is Your Parachute? by John Bowles



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					Designing New Goals
					Designing New Goals

			It is difficult to turn on the TV or pick up a newspaper or magazine without hearing about self-improvement. It seems to be such an important part of achieving a successful life, but too often a part that is left to chance. Most people don't take the time to think about what is really important to them and then actually plan how to be successful. A well-worn adage is "If it is to be, it is up to me. Only I control my destiny!" This belief reminds us that we are the most important part of achieving our dreams. This becomes a key point in planning our goals as we must ask ourselves "what can I do to achieve my dreams?" How do you develop goals for yourself? Getting Started There are a number of self-improvement writers on the market, and you can find a vast selection of books at any local bookstore or library. However, the following is a list of suggestions for getting started when setting your goals that come from a variety of different resources: #1. Make a list of what is important to you Look at your values. Do you want to achieve something that will allow you more time with your family? Is it important to you that you pursue advancement to increase your income? Do you need to reflect upon what would make your life's path more meaningful? #2. Visualize Your Success! Imagine that you have accomplished your goal, and ask yourself, "What would that look like?" When you can picture it, start acting as if it has already happened. You begin behaving as a successful person. #3. Write Down Your Goals What steps are needed to achieve your goals? When writing, use words that convey action such as "calling the university to get a class schedule" or "going to the gym 3 times per week." Leave them in full view, so that you can see them every day. You don't have to have a full, detailed explanation laying on your bathroom counter, but perhaps you could post the bullet points, so that you can be reminded of your goals! #4. Make Your Goals Positive State "I will start an exercise program" instead of "I'm going to quit being so fat." #5. Stay in the Present Try to write your goals as if you are working on them now, not five years from now. Long range goals are very important, but in order to change your life now, you need short range, immediate goals to work on. #6. Make the goals something you have control over. In other words, don't make your goals about others and their feelings, behaviors, etc. because you can't control how others respond. #7. Make the Goals Measurable and Realistic Clearly state what you want the end result to be. Be realistic. Don't set yourself up for failure by setting your goals so high that they cannot be reached. This will only lead to disappointment. #8. Get Support Tell those who will be supportive about your goals. We can all use a little friendly support when beginning a new endeavor. The energy of motivation that develops when working toward achieving goals has helped many people transform their lives. It is helpful in making difficult decisions because you know where you want to end up. It can build your self confidence and your sense of self-respect because you start to see yourself as a valuable person. Discovering that you can achieve anything can be extremely rewarding, liberating, and very empowering. Information provided by Summit Medical Center Psychiatric Program Hermitage, TN January, 2001 Reading Suggestions What Color is Your Parachute? by John Bowles Back to "Personal Growth" HOME